Our next international snow adventure may seem a world away right now, but we won’t ever stop dreaming, planning and adding to our ever-growing snow holiday bucket list.
When it comes to dreamy destinations, it’s tough to top Switzerland, with more than 300 ski regions offering everything the heart desires – From challenging slopes to family-friendly resorts and thriving après ski scenes, the Swiss mountains have it all.
Until we can be there again, let us help you #TravelFromHome. Read on for the latest snow travel news from Switzerland and an exploration of our favourite resorts from the beautiful Valais Canton – home to Zermatt, Verbier and an incredible range of winter holiday experiences.
Head to our Virtual Snow Show for more inspiration and to start planning your 2021 / 2022 Swiss snow adventure. www.thesnowshow.com.au
NEW TOUR – Winter Magic
A new train tour designed to take in all the winter magic of the Swiss Alps has just been revealed by our friends at Switzerland Tourism.
The 8 or more days Winter Magic tour takes in spectacular landscapes of glaciers, powder snow and frozen lakes with the opportunity to ski three different mountain regions along the journey including Zermatt framed by the Matterhorn, Grindelwald and Wengen in the Jungfrau and Corviglia overlooking St Moritz.
The Winter Magic Tour can be conveniently booked as a package including accommodation, ski ticket & rental, train tickets and seat reservations
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT – Valais Canton
Valais really is a winter holiday heaven. Thanks to the altitude of its ski areas, the region promises optimal snow cover on its 2,000 kilometres of piste: an unrivalled playground for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. Off the slopes, there is endless opportunity to take in the best of Switzerland, with world-class food & wine experiences, picturesque villages, shopping, museums and family friendly activities.
Fast facts:
45 summits above 4000 m
8 resorts labelled ‘Family Destination’
10 restaurants with Michelin Stars
3,800 m above sea level – Switzerland’s highest ski areas
THE BEST OF ZERMATT AND VERBIER
Two of our favourite Swiss resorts, Zermatt and Verbier are located in the Valais Canton. Here we highlight some of our favourite experiences, both on and off the mountain
VERBIER
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Freeride courses
Verbier enjoys an outstanding reputation among freeride enthusiasts for its legendary
off-piste areas. With one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland, it’s arguably the best destination in the world to find your passion for off-piste skiing or take your freeriding to the next level. Dedicated freeride courses are on offer for all levels with powder ski lessons as well as expert private coaching and guided tours in a fun and safe environment. Whether you’re a devoted freeride enthusiast or a complete novice off-piste, you will be able to explore the best powder slopes of Verbier and feel like you’ve discovered some of the world’s best untouched secrets.
APRES SKI
A day of skiing the finest pistes in Switzerland would not be complete if you did not pause afterwards to take a seat in the sunshine on the terrace of a restaurant or bar to relax. Mulled wine, burgers, fine local wines, Raclette, music, cocktails, local delicacies and a festive atmosphere: The alps offer plenty of opportunity for après-ski action, whatever the time of day or night.
Bar 1936 Verbier– a mid-mountain party
The best après-ski place in Verbier is Bar 1936. Accessible from the Medran cable car, chair lift and the slopes, it’s a great mid-mountain meeting place for lunch or late afternoon catch ups. Boasting two yurts where drinks and food are served at 1740m, there’s 30 seats inside and a huge terrace with deck chairs – the perfect place to soak up the sun and take in the views.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHT
W Verbier
Perched at 1531 metres and located in the heart of town, W Verbier mixes contemporary urban alpine design and the hottest W Happenings. The stylish 123 rooms and suites, each with fireplace, Signature W bed and private balcony are perfect for an intimate escape after an exhilarating day outside. The hotel offers six restaurants and bars and a relaxing escape in the Away® Spa. W Verbier steals the scene and offers everything under one roof.
ZERMATT
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
It is impossible to visit Zermatt without taking in Switzerland’s most famous mountain. At a huge 4,478m high, the best way to the top is to ride the luxurious 3S cableway to Europe’s highest mountain station (at 3,883m) and the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Absorb the mountain air and panoramic views across 38 Alpine peaks from the viewing deck, go snow tubing, visit the cinema lounge, explore the Glacier Palace and ride to the top of a glacier in a cable car decorated with Swarovski crystals. If you prefer to explore from a lower altitude, the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt offers excellent insight into the intrepid explorers who attempted its very first climb in 1865.
APRES SKI
Zermatt is one of the most popular winter destinations worldwide, and not just because of the skiing. The picture-perfect pedestrian village is cosmopolitan and stylish, its narrow streets filled with boutique shops, stunning restaurants and a wide range of bars. The apres atmosphere is something special here, with twinkling lights throughout the village, horse drawn sleigh rides and even the opportunity to take a private champagne gondola ride.
Sonnmatten Zermatt- Cosy dinners – Sonnmatten is a beautiful place to spend a relaxed evening dining in front of the open fire in modern Alpine Style. Being located in the hamlet of Winkelmatten, about a 5-minute taxi from the center of Zermatt, it is a well-kept secret but well worth the trip. The high-quality menu offers a Swiss gastronomic experience with a 4-course daily set menu for the grown ups and a great children’s menu with popular Swiss dishes such as wienerschnitzel.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHT
Cervo – Zermatt
Located on the hill overlooking Zermatt and with a wonderful ski-in/ski-out location, Cervo is a member of Design Hotels offering contemporary alpine style and casual luxury. Guests can choose from six chalets, each with their own spa and accommodating six individual rooms and suites. Classic materials, natural colours and tasteful design form the setting for unforgettable holiday location. The hotel offers two restaurants and an après bar with spectacular views toward the Matterhorn and a deluxe Mountain Ashram spa.
TRAVEL FROM HOME: Zermatt Virtual Tour
Travel from home to Switzerland and take a virtual tour of Zermatt to see the incredible snow, après ski and great times offered by this amazing destination:
Zermatt Virtual Tour – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usoJtCFUEbQ&feature=emb_logo